Turning to more demanding markets

Technoturn has turned its focus to demanding markets, using technology and lean manufacturing methods to give it a competitive edge. It has now expanded its facilities to accommodate three new VMCs.

Caption: Technoturn has expanded its manufacturing facilities

As larger companies outsource to low cost countries should subcontractors reduce margins? Or should they take the initiative and expand into other more demanding markets reducing costs by embracing technology and lean manufacturing? David Mcllwain, managing director at Technoturn, prefers the second option.

The current market is somewhat fragile and in some circumstances manufacturing economies of scale need to be reviewed by expanding into new sectors, quantity being replaced by skill, technology and quality he says.

Technoturn has recently expanded its manufacturing facility to house three new VMC 4 axis milling machining centres. One Brother TC32B with twin pallets and two rotary axes and two Doosan Mynx NM410 machines both fitted with fourth rotary axes. The Brother TC32 B has a spindle speed of 16,000 rpm decreasing cycle times by 23 percent compared to previous versions. In addition it has a twin pallet system which can decrease production time by machining one component whilst the second pallet is being unloaded and reloaded resulting in minimum down time.

Mr McIlwain explains: By utilising advanced machinery, our production times have decreased, enabling us cope with both earlier on time deliveries and larger volumes if required. The Brother can easily handle diverse and complex parts with speed and amazing efficiency.

He says that Technoturn is constantly striving to improve its capabilities and adding value to the components it produces for its customers it can now offer a new shot blasting service to customers. Sub-assembly facilities are currently being researched, and Technoturn hope to be offering this service in the not too distant future.

By using lean manufacturing methods and using best practice procedures throughout our manufacturing operation we strive to achieve the least cost and most efficient manufacturing solutions for all our customers by providing quality components at a cost effective price with on time delivery and a customer focused responsive friendly attitude towards our customers needs, says Mr McIlwain.